Valentino Rossi Results
During the Le Mans MotoGP practice sessions Friday and Saturday, the Ducati Team progressively improved the setup on Valentino Rossi’s GP11.
But qualifying didn’t go well for the Italian, Rossi starting from ninth on the grid. After some further tweaks, though, Rossi’s MotoGP machine worked best when it counted most, at the Le Mans Grand Prix.
After 28 laps, Rossi would deliver Ducati its second podium of the 2011 MotoGP Championship Sunday. VR46 was in a heated battle for the final podium position with Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso, but couldn’t pass the RC212V.
The nine-time MotoGP Champion finished behind Andrea Dovizioso and France MotoGP race-winner Casey Stoner, both Repsol Honda riders.
Valentino Rossi (Ducati Marlboro Team MotoGP) says: “We’re very pleased with this podium because we’re on the right path, and especially because I had fun today. I rode the Desmosedici well, I was fast in the technical parts of the track, I felt good from start to finish and I had good lap times.
“This morning we made a last change to the setting together with Jeremy and the guys from Ducati, and it helped cut another couple of tenths. I knew I could beat Lorenzo, so that was my goal. I also passed Dovi at one point, but I got a little confused and made a move on the penultimate lap instead of the last one.
“I lost my concentration momentarily, but in short, he got me again. Anyway, it’s fine like this; I’m happy for myself, for my team, for Filippo (Preziosi), and for all the boys at Ducati. This result boosts our morale. We still have to keep working and improving though, because there’s more to be done. I also have to improve and keep adapting my style to the Ducati, because I’m still not riding it as I should, but in the meanwhile, we’ll enjoy today’s nice race and podium.”
On Tuesday, Valentino Rossi will be lapping the Silverstone Circuit aboard a Ducatl 1198, as the English track inaugurates a new paddock wing.
